Boulud confirmed the move, t elling Eater's New York site: "Gavin has been an integral part of our family of chefs and always understood well what Café Boulud represented for me - the importance of blending the French tradition with creative ethnic inspiration. It is with pride and excitement that I wish him much success in his hometown comeback."

Not a lot is known about the plans for Merchant yet, though it's not opening before summer because Kaysen won't leave Boulud before then.